Illicit Cravings

A FRESH START

As Javier explained everything that has transpired between Mia and him, the paler his parents became. Tears streamed down Mrs. Everton's face as she occasionally cast a glance towards Jayden, who stood by a corner in the room.

Mr. Everton was seething, his eyes blazing like a furnace. This was a taboo. A disgrace. How could his eldest son who was supposed to lead by example bring such a disgrace to his family name.

Jayden, on the other hand, had an unreadable expression. A part of him felt bad and pitied Javier but another part of him was excited that the truth about the baby had been revealed sooner than expected.

Then his mind drifted to Mia.

How would she feel about all this?

If she had left the house, where could she have gone to?

Is she safe?

By the time, Javier was done explaining, Mr. Everton's anger had spilled over. He shot up to his fists, closed the distance them, and landed a hard slap on jayden's cheeks—the sound echoed through the room like a gunshot.

“You bastard!“ He cursed, chest heaving. “I disown you as my child. You can kiss your position at the hospital and inheritance goodbye.“ Then he stormed out of the house.

Jayden didn't react, despite the pain coursing through him coupled with the bruises on his face. Jayden had always anticipated this. His father was a man, who cherished his republican more than anything or anyone else.

Mrs. Everton stood, wiped her face. "“I'm disappointed in you, Jayden,” she says and followed her husband outside.

Javier stood too, straightened his shirt . “You're already dead to me. I don't want to see you ever again.“ With that, he left.

Jayden slid down and sat on the cold floor. A tear escaped from his eyes. He has lost his family. Lost everything. But he quickly wiped off his tears and stand up. This is no time to wallow in sorrow, he should act like a man and savage the situation. After all, Mia would definitely be feeling worse than him.

He reached for his phone, and dialed Mia's contact.

It went straight to voicemail.

He tried again and again—all to no avail.

He moved into the restroom, washed his bloodied face and change into a clean shirt. He grabbed his car keys, stormed out of the mansion and drove off towards her parents apartment.

_________

Three days passed Jayden had become a shadow of himself, tore down the whole city and still, he couldn't find Mia. He even hired a private detective, but all efforts has proved abortive.

The news had spread around his social circles. On the media. No one wants to associate with him anymore since he's been blacklisted by his own family.

All he did from morning till night was drinking and smoking while slumped on the bare floor in a corner in the room. No showering. No eating. Just looking haggard like a man who was mourning the loss of his soulmate.

Then his phone beeped on the couch in the center of his room. Through the haziness in his eyes, he pushed himself up and made his towards the couch.

Without checking the caller ID, he answered the call.

“We found her, sir,” the private detective's voice rang out like a bell in his ears.

The alcohol cleared from his eyes. “What?“ He snapped, heart pounding.

“Come quick,” the detective added. “She's about to get on a train.“

The call ended, followed by a beep. It was a message from the private detective. The address of the train station and Mia's blurry picture. A small smile tug at the corners of his lips. It was truly her.

Without showering, he threw on a clean shirt and pants, sprayed perfume, grabbed his car keys and stormed out of the mansion.

_________

“The train just left,” the private detective said.

“s**t!“ Jayden slammed his fists on the steering wheel as a wave of disappointment washed down on him.

The detective continues. “It's a blue train. You can still catch up if you trail it now.“

“Thanks man,” Jayden says, igniting the car and made a U-turn.

He drove out of the station into the highway. He drove at the highest speed and then he saw the blue train ahead. He increased the speed, driving by it's side and he saw her.

Mia was sitting by the window, leaning on it while wiping the tears that streamed down her face.

She had lost everything. Her parents and sibling has disowned her too. Only her best friend, Elara had stood by her side until the last moment and now, she is headed to Elara's mother's place at the countryside.

Elara mother was a kindhearted woman. When Elara explained Mia's situation to her, she had told her to come over without a second thought. The quiet countryside would be a good place to start all over again while raising her child

Jayden's chest tightened as he watched her wipe tears he had caused — yet couldn’t comfort. For the first time since they started their affair, he regretted everything. He should have stayed away from her and maybe she won't be hurting like this.

Three hours passed, he was trailing behind the train and finally it came to a halt at a bus stop. He parked behind it.

Mia stepped out, wheeling her suitcase behind her. She also looks haggard, her hair dishealved.

“Mia,” a middle aged called behind her.

Mia turned back.

Elara's mother.

“Mrs Hartley?“

A sad smile curled Mia's lips as the woman closed the distance between them and pulled her into an embrace.

Mia couldn't help but sob silently into her chest, her tears streaming down.

“Cry it out, my child,” Mrs. Hartley says, tapping her back gently. “I give you the permission to cry—just this once. After today—you are not allowed to cry anymore. You have to stay strong for you, for your child.“

With that Mia bawled her eyes out, her tears soaking through the woman's chiffon top.

Mia leaned into her comforting embrace and she was sure that this was the right place to start all over again. Here there was no stares. No whispers. No judgement. Just peace and quietness.

They disengaged from the embrace.

Mrs. Hartley handed her a napkin. “Now, smile. Raise your shoulders and walk like you own this place, because you do.“

And Mia surprisingly felt better. The regret, guilt and sadness that has weighed down on her, lifted.

She smiled broadly, while wiping off her tears.

“That's my girl,” Mrs. Hartley said, slung her arms around Mia's shoulders.

She took her suitcase from her as they turned towards her home direction.

Jayden watched from afar and he didn't realise when a tear slid down his own cheeks. But still, a part of him was excited and grateful. At least, there was someone by her side.

He contemplated if it was necessary for him to see or not. But as much as he wants to leave her alone for now, his heart longed to see her—even if it's just this once.

He stepped out of the car and started walking at a distance behind them. He could hear her laughter as Mrs. Hartley cracked jokes and soon, he found himself smiling too.

Then they entered the gate of a small but modest apartment.

Jayden increased his pace and before Mrs. Hartley could lock the gate, he called out, “Mia.“

Mia froze as she recognised the voice.

Mrs Hartley peeped out and saw Jayden. Her gaze shifted between the both of them and from their tensed expression, she could already sense the situation.

“I will leave you two to talk,” she says. “But don't stay out too long, so you don't catch cold.“

Mia nodded slowly, managing a small smile.

Mrs. Hartley walked in.

Hush, tensed silence fell between them.

Mia breathe in and out, steadying herself and then turned to face him.

“Hi.“ She waved, her expression unreadable. She noticed his haggard expression and her stomach sank.

“Hi,” he whispered back. He stepped inside the gate. “I'm sorry about everything that happened.“

“It's fine, Jayden,” she said, her voice neutral. “At least, I was able to find out that my marriage has been built on deceit and lies for the past three years.“

Jayden nodded.

Silence again.

“How is the baby doing?“ He finally asked.

“The baby is fine,” she replied, caressing her flat stomach. Then her expression turned serious. “I have a favour to ask you.“

“What?“

“Please don't come here again,” she says, her voice low and pleading. “I want to put the past behind me and focus on just my child and I.“

Jayden heart pierced. She understands what she meant perfectly. She is not acknowledging him as the father of the child. As much as it's hurts, he knows it was the least he could do for her.

He forced a smile. “I understand.“

Then he walked out of the gate.

“You should stop blaming yourself too,” Mia's voice rang out, stopping him in his tracks. “As for me, I have accepted my fate. I hope you do the same. I pray you find peace, Jayden. And when I meet you in the future, I want to see the lively and vibrant Jayden Everton—that I fell in love with.“

Love?

He snapped her head back at her.

She loves him?

He never knows until now. He had always thought he was the only one who loves her.

He smiled. Broadly. Real. Relieved. “Thank you,” he muttered.

They held their gaze for a while, their hearts pounding for each other.

Then without another word, Jayden finally walked away.